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Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful, but is not usually a sign of anything serious.
It depends on what's causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days.
A young child might have earache if they:
Earache and ear pain can affect 1 or both ears.
There are some things you can do to help relieve earache and ear pain.
use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
place a warm or cold flannel on the ear
do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds
do not try to remove earwax
do not let water get inside your ear
Some painkillers are not safe for everyone (for example, if you're pregnant). Always check the leaflet or get medical advice before taking them.
A pharmacist can tell you:
They can also provide treatment if you need it, without you seeing a GP.
You or your child have earache and:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Earache and pain can be caused by many things, but sometimes it's not known by what.
Here are some of the most common causes:
| Symptoms | Possible condition |
|---|---|
| Ear pain with toothache | Children teething, dental abscess |
| Ear pain with change in hearing | Glue ear, earwax build-up, an object stuck in the ear (do not try to remove it yourself – see a GP), perforated eardrum (particularly after a loud noise or accident) |
| Ear pain with pain when swallowing | Sore throat, tonsillitis, quinsy (a complication of tonsillitis) |
| Ear pain with a fever | Ear infection, flu, cold |
